Bill Schuette, 64, of Midland, is Michigan's Attorney General. The Republican faces Democrat Gretchen Whitmer in the race for Governor of Michigan.

1. As governor, what would be your top priorities?

My top priority can be summed up in one word: Growth. There isn't a problem facing Michigan today that couldn't be made better if we had more people living and working here. Yet, 55 of our counties lost population this decade, and we still have 300,000 fewer workers than before the Great Recession.

We need a growing population and growing paychecks to become a leading economic state. More growth means our kids don't have to leave Michigan to find jobs and we can invest in better roads and infrastructure. Airplane loads of people arrive daily in places like Austin and Nashville, and it isn't because of the weather. It is because those states have better economic environments and more opportunity.

2. How would you address those priorities?

We must make Michigan a more attractive place to live, work, start a business and raise a family. As governor, I will implement growth-friendly policies that help us compete nationally and rebuild our population.

I will:

1.) Cut taxes. Michigan incomes are still below pre-recession levels, and more than $5,000 below the national average, leaving families with less in their wallets than most Americans. I want to cut taxes at the state level, as President Donald Trump has done at the federal level, to help workers keep more of their hard-earned money. As governor, I will eliminate the Granholm income tax hike that has cost Michigan taxpayers $8 billion.

2.) Lower auto insurance rates, which are the highest in the country.

3.) Improve our third grade reading scores and restore vocational education and apprenticeships in our schools, so that Michigan children have the bright future they deserve.

3. In what areas should the state increase spending?

In a $57 billion state budget like Michigan has, we should be able to find enough money for better roads, and roads will be one of my top spending priorities as governor. Few people travel our two peninsulas and 83 counties more than I. We've got too many potholes, and it hits drivers right in the wallet for car repairs. Yet nothing has been done for 15 years.

More than anything, we need to grow our economy to increase state revenue, but additionally my plan to rebuild Michigan's infrastructure includes:

• Top-to-bottom audit of the transportation department (MDOT) to make sure we get more "miles paved per gallon."

• Stronger, enforced guarantees and warranties on roads and bridges.

• Making sure Michigan gets its fair share of funds from Washington D.C.

• Using savings from the repealed prevailing wage law to fund roads.

4. In what areas should the state cut spending?

As governor, I will conduct a review of all areas of state government to find potential reforms and efficiencies.

Bureaucratic programs that are not working will be ended, and the money redirected to essential services like roads and public safety.

State government must constantly strive to wisely ensure the best possible return on investment for Michigan taxpayers.